Pinoys From California, New Jersey, New York To Be Deported

An undisclosed number of Filipinos are set for deportation as the Trump administration launches its massive crackdown on illegal immigrants in the United States.

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed relevant government agencies to provide support for affected Filipinos.

In a recent interview, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed that "a number of Filipinos"—mostly recent arrivals—have already been notified of their impending deportation, according to a PNA report.

Romualdez stated that these Filipinos would be among the first deportees under Trump’s second term, as his administration moves forward with large-scale arrests and removals of undocumented immigrants.

While he did not provide an exact figure, Romualdez noted that most affected Filipinos are from California, New York, and New Jersey. "I don’t know the exact status right now, but I always say the same thing—if there is no legal path, my suggestion is voluntary departure," he advised.

However, he urged those with potential legal options to consult an immigration lawyer or seek assistance to file a case and ensure their rights are upheld.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently launched a nationwide ad campaign warning undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily or face forced deportation with restrictions on reentry.

In response, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed relevant government agencies to provide support for affected Filipinos.

Earlier, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega said the government could tap into the DFA’s Assistance to Nationals Fund and the Department of Migrant Workers’ Aksyon Fund (Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan).

These funds provide legal, medical, financial, and other forms of aid for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).